Losing track of a dog, even for a short time, can be stressful. We recently tested the Fi Series 3 collar with our large yellow lab to see how well it could help us keep tabs on her activity and location.
Using the Fi collar was pretty easy. Setting it up only took a few minutes, and we liked getting live updates on our phone. The GPS tracking worked across town, and the escape alerts kicked in as soon as she wandered past our front yard fence. The battery lasted for several weeks before we needed to recharge it. On the downside, we did notice the collar feels a little stiff at first, and the app’s activity data took some time to update. If you want step-by-step daily totals, you might need a bit of patience.
Bottom Line
The Fi Series 3 is a reliable pick if you want a simple way to track your dog and get activity updates. You can check out the Fi Series 3 here if you’re interested in more peace of mind for your dog’s safety.
Overview of Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar
When we first tried the Fi Series 3 collar, we noticed right away how sturdy and well-made it felt. The collar is easy to put on, and setting up the GPS tracking only took a few minutes.
We liked being able to see our dog’s location in real-time and check his daily activity through the app. The battery lasted much longer than we expected, which meant fewer charging hassles.
There are a few things that could be better. The tracker sometimes took a bit too long to update the location, especially in colder weather. Also, the coverage is only available within the U.S.
Pros:
- Durable and waterproof
- Long battery life
- Activity and health tracking
Cons:
- Slow location updates at times
- Only works in the U.S.
- THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED DOG COLLAR — Track your dog’s live location, activity, and sleep with your Series 3 device, co…
- LIVE, ALWAYS-ON GPS TRACKING — Precision GPS tracking, works nationwide with no maximum range (unlike AirTags, which hav…
- ESCAPE ALERTS — Lost Dog Mode is triggered when your dog leaves a certain area, so you always know where they are and sa…
Key Features
Live, Always-On GPS Tracking
We found the GPS tracking on the Fi collar quick and reliable most of the time. The GPS connects to a nationwide network, so we can see exactly where our dog is, wherever we are in the United States. Unlike some trackers with a short range, this one doesn’t have a maximum distance limit as long as there’s cell coverage.
One thing we did notice is that the tracking can have a short delay, especially in poor weather or remote areas. Still, it’s helpful for checking if our dog is out with a walker, at daycare, or if he manages to sneak out.
| Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Real-time location updates | Small delays in some cases |
| Coverage across the country | Doesn’t work outside the U.S. |
| Useful for travel and outings |
Escape Alerts with Lost Dog Mode
Escape Alerts are one of the main reasons we like using this collar. If our dog leaves the safe zone we’ve set in the app, we get an instant notification. Lost Dog Mode also flashes an LED on the collar to make him easier to see.
We’ve had a few false alarms, especially when the boundary isn’t set wide enough, but we’d rather get extra alerts than none. Lost Dog Mode can be slow to connect at times, which can be stressful during a real emergency.
- Good: Sends alert fast and flashes LED for visibility.
- Needs improvement: Sometimes connects slow when a real escape happens, especially in bad weather.
Health and Activity Insights
The health and activity features help us track how much exercise and rest our dog gets each day. We can check step counts, walks, and even nap times with the app. This helps spot changes in routine that might signal health issues.
Comparing our dog’s data to other dogs helps us know if he’s getting enough activity. The statistics are simple to read, and checking them has become a habit after walks. While these insights aren’t a replacement for the vet, they’re a great everyday tool.
- Helps spot trends: Changes in activity or sleep can alert us to check on our dog’s health.
- Easy to use: The data is clear, but some of the behavior analysis could be more detailed.
Durable, Waterproof Design
The Fi collar has held up well through rain, mud, and plenty of pulling. The stainless steel hardware feels solid, and the collar hasn’t shown any signs of wear, even with a strong and active dog. We’ve tested the waterproof claim by letting our dog swim and found it keeps working, even after hours in the water.
It’s also easy to swap out the band if it gets dirty or worn. The battery can go several weeks without needing a charge, which means less time worrying and more time outside.
Pros:
- Withstands rough play, pulling, and water.
- Battery lasts much longer than older GPS collars we’ve tried.
Cons:
- The collar feels a bit bulky on small dogs.
- May be heavier than other basic collars.
Battery Performance
We noticed that the battery on the Fi Series 3 holds up well, even after several days of daily use. We appreciate not having to charge it all the time, which is helpful if our dog is always on the move. In our experience, the battery lasted much longer than we expected from a device that’s constantly tracking.
There were times when we felt the battery drained a bit faster if we used the GPS and escape alerts a lot, especially during long outdoor trips. Still, it only needed a charge every few weeks with regular activity, which was better than what we’ve seen with some other brands.
Overall:
- The collar does not need constant charging.
- Heavy GPS use shortens battery life, but not by a lot.
- The charging process is simple with the included base.
Membership and Support
We noticed that the Fi collar comes with a full year of free membership, which lets us access GPS tracking and health data without extra costs right away. Setting up the membership was simple, and we could manage most things through the app.
We found support options to be clear, but contacting customer service took some extra time in certain cases. The membership does cover a lot, but it’s good to know that coverage is only in the U.S., so it won’t work outside the country.
Pros:
- Free year of service included
- Easy setup and tracking features
Cons:
- Support can be slow at times
- Not available for international use
Pros and Cons
Pros
When we put this collar on our dog, one thing we liked right away was the real-time GPS tracking. We could see our dog’s location from anywhere, which gave us a lot of peace of mind.
The collar feels sturdy and seems built to last. Even after several walks, rainy days, and a few rough play sessions, it held up well. The waterproof design meant we did not have to worry when our dog jumped in puddles or rolled in wet grass.
Battery life impressed us. We charged it once and didn’t have to think about it again for weeks. The fact that the app tracks both activity and sleep also gave us helpful info about our dog’s health.
A free year of membership is included, making it easy to try out all the features without an extra fee right away. The app is user-friendly, and escape alerts worked as expected during our test runs.
Highlights:
| Feature | Our Experience |
|---|---|
| GPS Accuracy | Reliable & helpful |
| Durability | Withstood rough use |
| Battery Life | Lasts for weeks |
| App Features | Clear & useful |
Cons
We ran into a few drawbacks when using this smart collar. The GPS sometimes lagged, especially if we were in a large park or a spot with spotty cell service. During one test, the escape alert took longer to update than we would have liked.
Another downside is that the coverage only works in the United States. If we traveled outside the country, we couldn’t use the main features. Also, after the included year, we would have to pay for a membership, which might not fit every budget long term.
Swapping the tracker between collar bands was possible, but not as smooth as we hoped. Some users may find the band size or fit less ideal for very small or very big dogs.
- GPS can lag in real time
- Only works in the U.S.
- Ongoing costs after the first year
- Changing collar bands could be easier
Customer Reviews
After spending some time with the Fi Series 3 collar, we noticed a mix of feedback from other users as well. Customers often mention the easy setup process and quality materials. The collar’s tracking and escape alerts give many pet owners peace of mind, especially those with adventurous dogs.
We found most reviewers liked the long battery life and real-time location updates. However, there are reports that the tracker can be slow to update, especially in cold weather or remote areas. Some owners outside the US mentioned they could not use the collar due to coverage limits.
In summary, while the Fi collar works well for most of us in the US, there are some downsides with the location accuracy and international use. Most customers seem pleased, but a few struggled with connection issues.
Conclusion
After spending time with the Fi Series 3, we found several strong points. The collar gives us peace of mind when our dogs are outside or on walks, and we really like the detailed activity tracking. The battery life stands out and makes daily charging unnecessary.
We did notice some downsides, especially with the GPS tracker. Sometimes the location updates lagged, making it hard to find a lost pet quickly. Also, the collar won’t work outside the United States, so it’s not a good fit for everyone.
Overall, the Fi Series 3 offers reliable tracking, helpful health insights, and a long-lasting battery. If GPS speed and international use aren’t your main needs, this collar is a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
We found several common questions come up when people are thinking about getting a Fi Series 3 collar. Based on our direct experience and what we’ve learned from other users, here are the details that matter most.
How does the battery life of the Fi Series 3 collar compare to previous models?
The battery stands out. With normal use, we noticed the charge lasts longer than what we experienced with older Fi collars.
It doesn’t seem to need charging for weeks—sometimes even closer to a couple of months depending on how active the dog is and how often GPS runs. Wireless charging also makes things easier.
This upgrade is especially helpful for busy pet owners. However, if you use frequent tracking features or “Lost Dog Mode,” battery drains faster.
What improvements have been made in the Fi Series 3 over the Fi Series 2 collar?
Here are improvements we noticed:
- Build quality: The collar feels tougher with stronger materials.
- Tracking: Live GPS refreshes quicker and covers more ground reliably.
- Health insights: We got more details about our dog’s sleep and activity patterns.
- Ease of use: Swapping collar bands and recharging is simpler.
Downsides? The device is still a bit bulkier compared to some brands, so it may be noticeable on tiny breeds.
Are there any subscription fees associated with the Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar?
There’s a membership plan built in when you first buy the collar, which includes a free first year.
After that, a subscription is necessary for ongoing GPS tracking and full-feature access.
Some users find the fee reasonable for peace of mind, while others wish basic tracking would remain free after the trial. Remember, you’ll need internet access (usually via the app) to get important alerts.
How user-friendly is the Fi Collar app for new users?
We found setup quick and the app easy to navigate. Most basic features—like checking location, viewing activity, and health info—work smoothly.
There are learning curves, especially if you’re exploring deeper health stats or alert settings. Some menus took us a few tries to figure out, but nothing felt overly complicated.
Quick App Pros and Cons Table:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear dashboard | Can be slow at times |
| Helpful notifications | Some advanced menus deep |
| Simple pairing process | Occasional app bugs |
What are consumers saying about the Fi Series 3 collar on Amazon and Reddit?
From what we’ve seen, reviews are generally positive.
- Many owners are relieved at the reliable escape alerts and live tracking.
- Battery life gets top marks and is often praised as a major improvement.
- Some found “Lost Pet Mode” laggy, especially in tough weather or rural areas.
- A few mention issues if they tried using it outside the U.S., since coverage is mostly nationwide.
On Reddit, the collar is often recommended for anxious or “escape artist” dogs. A handful of users mention being frustrated by rare app slowdowns or if their dog is small and the collar feels bulky.
Is the Fi Series 3 collar durable and waterproof for outdoor activities?
In our testing and from user feedback, the collar is tough. The stainless steel and secure build handle rough outdoor play well. We used it in rain, mud, and on hikes—no issues with water damage.
It’s labeled as waterproof and stood up to swimming and splashing.
However, if a dog pulls very hard or gets tangled, the collar can get scuffed, but nothing affected function.
Some light wear is expected if your dog is very active outdoors, but overall it’s durable enough for everyday adventures.
